Cheverton Crusader 1960 built in Cowes and still sailing in her home water 56 years later. Blythe Crusader is hull number 7 and has been lovingly maintained with no expense spared. To keep her looking fresh she is kept under an all over cover when not in use. She is believed to be the quickest in class and is the only one built with wheel steering from day one.

SuperstructureVarnished mahogany coachroof coamings with a sheathed plywood coachroof deck. Slightly raised doghouse aft to increase headroom around the galley area.Chrome air vents on the coachroof deck with varnished handrails and a varnished forehatch.Oval chrome plated portholes in the coamings forward with larger windows in the doghouse with chrome plated window bezels.

Lots of headroom throughout the spacious saloon which is a key feature of these cleverly designed yachts.Entrance to the main cabin through a sliding hatch with tall double hatch doors. Galley area split between port and starboard at the aft end of saloon. Electronics, VHF and switchboard is to starboard.Full length settee berths each side with deep shelves and lockers behind and lockers underneath.V berths in forecabin.

Owners CommentsI was looking for a “retirement project classic”. I was attracted to Cheverton Crusaders, by their classic looks, size and displacement, which makes for excellent seaworthiness, sailing and comfort. Their edge glued strip construction epoxied inside and out before painting, gives them strength, longevity and a very fair hull (no opening seams). The Secretary of the Classic Boat Association has a Crusader.

There is also a very active owners website and class, e.g. at the Classic Rally at Cowes this year attended by David Cheverton. See cheverton.org.uk (which features my boat).

I bought Blythe Crusader in April 2009, and knew her previous owner Nick Lovejoy (who was retiring from sail).

Since that time a huge amount of work has been done, and money expended (well documented and photographed), under the direction of Marine Surveyor Graham Whittington. (See his survey reports and list of work). Unfortunately during the last three years I have been treated for cancer, and although now clear at 68 have very regretfully to pass her on to someone new.

Over the past three years my friend Nick Harvey – boat builder, former yard boss of Camper and Nicholson and owner of famous gaff cutter Sophie – has taken over the refit and her condition is a testament to his skill and vast amount of effort.

Effectively she has been very little used for the last 20 years and is in excellent condition. She was No 7 of the Crusader Class and her original owner Mr Bedford was interviewed in PBO, and explained that he had added 3 c wt of lead ballast forward “that made her far less hardmouthed”. Blythe was later fitted with Hydraulic Vetus Steering, an easy task, the cockpit is 6 foot long (sleepable).

Other owners have moved their mast steps to match my rig, as she is so fast and easy to sail!!!

Brokers CommentsBlythe Crusader has the feel of a well looked after classic the minute you step on board and I am looking forward to putting her through her paces with the current owner so that I can show the same enthusiasm as him when I show the boat to her next custodian. For that is all owners of such wonderful boats are, temporary custodians of timeless classics for the world to enjoy.

Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice